Comparison of Ukrainian and Polish Groundwater Monitoring Methodologies in the Case of Tests Made at Monitoring Points Located in the Border Area

Abstract

Water is of fundamental significance for biodiversity and the protection of water resources is extremely important for the equilibrium in the environment. Water protection is also a key element of human existence; therefore, it is the highest priority under the European Union legislation. In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, water is not a commercial product like any other but, rather, a heritage which must be protected, defended and treated as such. Water is also an element which is related to the artificial political and administrative boundaries. The interest in the issues related to the management of water resources in transboundary areas is a relatively new phenomenon which has occurred over the last several dozen years. In particular, this is connected with the globalisation processes, the development of local governments and the growing rivalry between the different sectors of the economy for the decreasing natural resources. The management of water resources in the context of transboundary areas is much more complex and involves many more factors than the same measures taken in the territory of one state. The problems connected with transboundary waters co-occur with the issues concerning the landscape, ­society and culture and they are also closely related to the political processes unfolding in a given area. In Poland, water management is consistent with the European Union policy in this field. The concept of multi-level management necessitates the existence and cooperation of interdependent networks of a wide range of institutions, such as central and local governments, as well as public and ­private, national and international, non-governmental and many other organisations.